​In the following experiment we tested the composting and degrading performance of our moulded fibre lids and compostable paper cups vs regular plastic.

Our test sites were made up of 50% potting soil 50% commercial compost and earth worms harvested from a regular garden. The test volume of the composting soil was 30 litres:

Our test volume up close

The Start...

​PLA paper cups & moulded fibre sip lids    VS    LDPE paper cups and plastic sip lids

​PLA paper cups were broken into pieces as shown. Moulded fibre lids left whole.

​LDPE paper cups were broken into pieces as shown. Plastic lids left whole.

1 Month Later...

Fibre of the PLA coated board has completely decomposed and separated from the PLA coating.

The moulded fibre lids have degraded to the level of being a porous loosely woven mesh of paper fibre.

Fibre of the LDPE coated board had decomposed and only partially separated from the LDPE coating.

The plastic lid was still intact and very much usable — just a little dirty!

3 Months Later...

The ​PLA Coating had shrunk in size and begun curling on the edges. Its texture had become hard and brittle and cracking was evident. Showed signs of breaking into smaller pieces.

Moulded fibre lids had reduced to small pieces and was becoming difficult to locate in the composting soil.

​The LDPE Coating was still intact and retained its elastic properties. The thin wall of plastic still clearly visible.

The plastic lid remained completely intact and still very much usable.

5 Months Later...

​PLA Coating has become more britle, displays further cracking. Texture has become paper like and breaks into smaller pieces when handled.

The moulded fibre lid has completely decomposed.

​The LDPE coating is still clearly visible, intact, elastic and pliable. The plastic lid remained completely intact and still very much usable - now only very dirty!

Both the LDPE coating and plastic lid will remain in this state for many years.​

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